5 Tips for Raising Grateful Kids

Parents work extremely hard in order to provide their children with opportunities for enrichment and experiences they hope will lead to their children’s success in life. However, there are generally few, if any, expectations of anything in return from their children (aside from a couple of household chores). With Thanksgiving almost upon us, it is an ideal time for parents to help instill qualities of respect and gratitude in their kids.

1. Spend one-on-one time with your child(ren) each day focused on who they are, what they feel about things, THEIR perceptions of events in their lives and in the world, and their aspirations –NOT homework or discipline issues. Demonstrate an appreciation for who they are and they in turn will learn to appreciate you and others.

2. Model good manners and appreciation of others you come into contact with on a daily basis—they will learn by example.

3. Provide opportunities for “service to others” so children can see firsthand the gifts they’ve been given when compared to those less fortunate.

4. Treat your children with the same respect afforded to other important people in your life—even when disciplining your child. "Manage" yourself so that you portray respect for your child.

5. Accept your child’s efforts at showing their appreciation—too often parents tend to minimize, ignore, or even devalue a child’s “thank you.” Be sure to credit children for even the smallest expressions of gratitude (such as a scribble drawing), instead of casually dismissing their efforts with a flippant “you didn’t need to do that.)”

Keep these simple tips in mind during the Thanksgiving season and beyond. I guarantee that both you and your child will be thankful that you did.

1. The Wahlbergs

Mark Wahlberg used to be Marky Mark and roll with a funky bunch, and his brother Donnie was in The New Kids on the Block ...

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2. The Wahlbergs

... Eventually, Marky Mark became Mark Wahlberg and Donnie Wahlberg became Mark Wahlberg's brother. And Jenny McCarthy's husband. What a sad life.

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3. The Roberts

It must be hard to have America's sweetheart as your sister. Eric Roberts is Julia Roberts' brother, and he's usually probably pretty jealous of his sister.

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4. The Roberts

Eric can say he got beaten up by Batman, which is something Julia's never achieved. Booyah!

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5. The Maras

I'm sure Rooney Mara has always been jealous of her sister Kate Mara for having a normal name. Rooney seemed to be pulling ahead of her sister by appearing in movies like The Social Network and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

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6. The Maras

... Then Kate got thrown in front of a train on House Of Cards and now she's the lead Mara these days. Which is weird, because she can't really act that well and Rooney was nominated for an Oscar.

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7. The Knowles

Clearly, Beyonce is the lead Knowles sister. Solange doesn't even come close.

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8. The Knowles

The only time people really talked about Solange was when she beat up Jay Z, but that didn't really help her grab someany fans.

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9. The Kardashians

If you've been Keeping Up With The Kardashians, then you have to get your life together. Also, Kim is clearly winning. Kylie thinks she's pulling ahead, but she's dumb.

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10. The Hemsworths

Chris Hemsworth took a role in the Marvel movies. Liam Hemsworth took a role in The Hunger Games movies.

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11. The Hemsworths

At first, it was pretty close. Now, Chris is winning and is the sexiest man alive. (Also, Chris and Liam competed for the role of Thor and Chris won. Because he's perfect.)

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12. The Gyllenhaals

The Gyllenhaal siblings have pretty similar careers, but Jake definitely has a better face than Maggie does.

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13. The Gyllenhaals

Not that it matters, but when it comes to sibling rivalries, you take whatever you can get.

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14. The Francos

James Franco is currently the more successful Franco brother, but no one finds Dave as annoying. And Dave probably has never been caught openly hitting on an underage girl online.

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15. The Francos

Also, Dave has never made a horrible movie that almost started a war with North Korea, so he's got that going for him.

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16. The Deschanels

Zooey Deschanel stars on New Girl, Emily Deschanel's got Bones. So, Zooey has a show that's popular ...

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17. The Deschanels

... and Emily has a show that you're suprised is still on the air. (Yes, Bones is still on the air.)

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18. The Afflecks

Casey Affleck is the less controversial Affleck brother, but Ben is an award winning director ...

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19. The Afflecks

... And Ben Affleck is the new Batman. Even if he's not a great Batman, he's still Batman. That's a win forever.

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Mark Wahlberg used to be Marky Mark and roll with a funky bunch, and his brother Donnie was in The New Kids on the Block ...